Coldplay star inspires students striving for a career in music

The drummer in one of the world’s most famous bands met Music students at the University of Southampton to talk about his rise to fame and his experience of the music industry.

Coldplay’s Will Champion chatted to an audience of Music students and staff about what influences the band’s music, creative process and enduring success.

Coldplay formed in the mid-90s, achieving global fame in 2000 with their debut album Parachutes. Since then they have won countless awards, including seven Grammys, and sold 72 million albums worldwide, making them one of the world’s best-selling music acts.

Invited to speak by Music staff at the University, Will spent an hour sharing his thoughts and answering questions on topics such as composing, studio recording, live performance and managing stardom.

He told students: “Some of you will hope to be producers, solo artists, session players, in a band – whatever you do, it’s very important to maintain what’s special about your group or your music; that is the thing you have to hold above everything else. Don’t stop believing what you can achieve.”

Will has a strong connection with Southampton – he grew up in the city, went to Cantell School, and both his parents worked at the University as academics. When he was 14, he did work experience at the Nuffield theatre (Nuffield Southampton Theatres), in the box office and backstage.

Will spoke about his career, creative process and performance.

Talking about the thrill of live performance, Will – who has played major venues all over the world, to audiences in the tens of thousands – said: “Playing live is one of the things we’ve always loved; it’s such a wonderful experience. It’s when you get to connect with people. It’s a great experience to work in a studio and try to create, but where you actually get to deliver it to people is the most important thing for us.”

Lecturer in Music and Head of Jazz & Pop, Dan Mar-Molinero, organised the event. He said: “We’re honoured to have Will share his insightful and inspirational thoughts with us and we’re proud that these unique opportunities can be offered to students who study Music at Southampton.”

Will’s visit was part of the VIP Guest Talk series staged for Music students at the University. These also featured the rock group Band of Skulls and the Mercury Prize-nominated Portico Quartet.